China stepping out on world stage

The world expects China to play a bigger role and to contribute more in international organizations, such as bridging the gap between north and south and providing more financial support and personnel to international organizations, she wrote in an article published in People's Daily.

"In terms of contribution, the relationship between China and international organizations is mutually beneficial," Li said.

China's own interests are protected and expanded by participating in the formation of international institutions, and China has meanwhile made its due contribution to the development of these international organizations, said Li.

"China should participate more in global governance creatively and in accordance with its capacity," said Wang Yizhou, associate dean at the School of International Studies in Peking University.

China may choose some relatively new areas to get involved in, such as in the ocean, North Pole, outer space and climate change, which still lacks effective global governance, said Wang.

According to Hindu Business Line, China, India, Brazil and other emerging economies will pay more to the UN after the General Assembly approved a five percent increase in its budget for 2012-13 to $5.4 billion in late December.

China's UN fees would increase by 61 percent, taking its share of the budget from 3.2 to 5.1 percent, it said. This makes China the sixth-biggest UN contributor.

However, China's increasing influence in the world has resulted in the popularity of the "China threat" theory.

"This is inevitable, because China is such a big country with rapid economic growth. You cannot stop others from being worried," said Jin Canrong, deputy dean at the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China in Beijing.

"What China should do is enhance coordination with other countries and let other countries share the benefits of its own development," Jin said.

This is just what the Chinese government stressed in November.

In the report to the 18th Party Congress, which is intended as a guideline for future Chinese policy-makers, it says that "China will continue to keep in mind both the interests of the Chinese people and the common interests of the people of all countries."

It also vows to "get more actively involved in international affairs, play its due role as a major, responsible country, and work jointly with other countries to meet global challenges".

"It is very important guidance for China's foreign policy-making in the future, which also represents the trend of the world," said Xia Liping, dean of School of Political Science and International Relations at Tongji University in Shanghai.

China plays a constructive and crucial role in international affairs by adhering to principles and upholding justice, said Vuk Jeremic, president of the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly, during a visit to China on Thursday.

The UN attaches great importance to its cooperation with China and believes China will make greater contributions to world peace, development and prosperity, said Jeremic.

Contact the writer at chengguangjin@chinadaily.com.cn